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No, I am not moving into a Brexit rant here, just reminding
myself and my readers how fortunate we are to be able to hop off
for a short break, and find ourselves in just a few hours in one of
the most magnificent cities in the world - Barcelona, Prague,
Bordeaux, Florence, Budapest, Athens and more, right on our
doorsteps. In email conversation with an Australian friend the
other day, she reminded me just what a bonus this is.

All too often, we become blasé about these great cities, passing
through without pausing to take a look (been there, done that). But
it is such a treat to return to a city several times, and take the
opportunity to explore further. We decided to do just that before
joining Seven Seas Explorer in Civitavecchia in
October. And the first question was, where to stay in Rome? Of
course there are some lovely hotels, but I was really looking for
location: somewhere that would enable us to walk to everywhere,
clean and comfortable, at a reasonable price. I came across the
Tridente Collection and their range of boutique hotels, selecting
the Palazzo Navona for just that combination: welcoming, stylish,
intimate and well-priced, in the perfect location.

Unpretentious and friendly, the four star Palazzo Navona is just
around the corner from the Piazza Navona, so right in the centre of
everything. Rainy October weather meant we were unable to take
advantage of the exclusive rooftop terrace with views over the
skyline of the Eternal City, but this stylish location, with
rooftop bar, must be the perfect escape from the summer bustle of
the streets after a long day's sightseeing during the stifling
summer months.

One of our regular moans about Italian hotels is that style
takes precedence over comfort, but we were pleased to take a look
at a variety of rooms including Classic, Executive and Open Suites,
all tastefully decorated and well equipped, and with a surprising
amount of space for a city centre hotel, and the most inviting cosy
beds. A varied breakfast buffet is served daily.

We were particularly impressed by the excellent and attentive
service, with a warm welcome and good advice at the friendly front
desk, and charming attention in the public areas.

Our visit was brief, but as we were discussing our day over
breakfast, we fell into conversation with the people at the next
table, who were going to be returning to the city, on a cruise, the
following summer, bringing all the family (grown up children and
their partners, and their mother, slightly slow on her feet). They
had decided to come for a few days to work out the perfect single
day sightseeing tour for the family! What dedication…

Of course what they will miss out on is the highlight of your
'when in Rome' plans, which is of course to do as the Romans do.
Sit out on a sunlit square, enjoying a coffee or a plate of
spaghetti cacio e pepe, and watching the world go by.
Drift off to take a look at an archeological site, spend a gentle
half hour in a Baroque church, then it must be time for another
rest, a gelato, and a look at the stylish shops.